Pharmacy Technician Certification: 10 Benefits 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, obtaining certification should be high on your list of priorities. Pharmacy technician certification not only validates your qualifications but also improves your odds of securing a well-paying job.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 benefits of becoming a certified pharmacy technician and why taking your pharmacy technician practice test is an essential step in the certification process.

Whether you’re just starting in the field or looking to advance your career, read on to discover why obtaining certification as a pharmacy technician is a wise investment in your professional future.

Why You Need a Pharmacy Technician Certification

Starting positions in pharmacy careers typically offer a wage of $9 per hour for beginners. However, with accumulated experience and proper certification from recognized organizations such as the PTCB or NHA exam, your earnings can substantially increase over time.

However, passing the PTCB exam can be challenging, which is why you should take your pharmacy technician practice test to help you prepare for the exam. Once you successfully clear the PTCB or NHA exam, you will be awarded the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

10 Benefits of a Pharmacy Technician Certification

The following are some of the advantages that come with obtaining your pharmacy technician certification:

Job Prospects

While certification is not obligatory in many states, employers tend to favor certified pharmacy technicians. However, in certain states where certification is required by law, an individual must hold certification to work as a pharmacy technician.

As certification is recognized throughout the country, a certified pharmacy technician can access more job opportunities and can work in any state once certified.

Increased Wages

Certified pharmacy technicians are generally more sought after compared to their uncertified counterparts, making them in demand in the job market.

Due to this, they are in a favorable position to negotiate for higher salaries. Additionally, they are more likely to secure positions with regular merit raises and cost of living increases.

Enhanced Credibility at Minimal Expense

Certification enhances the credibility of a prospective pharmacy technician’s CV. Although the cost of certification is only $129 for the PTCB board and $105 for the NHA exam, it significantly increases the value of a job applicant’s resume, making it a worthwhile investment.

Ongoing Education

Continuing education is necessary for the renewal of certification every two years. To apply for renewal, pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of learning, which enables them to stay current with the latest advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.

Patient Confidence

In states where licensure requires certification, patients are reassured by the presence of the registration certificate, which is displayed in the pharmacy at all times. Moreover, pharmacy technicians are required to wear a nametag indicating their licensure while on duty.

When patients know that their prescriptions are being handled by a licensed pharmacy technician who adheres to regulations, they feel more confident and at ease.

Boosted Self-Assurance

Self-assurance is critical to success in any profession. Certification provides pharmacy technicians with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform their duties effectively.

As certification involves taking an exam, it necessitates preparation in areas such as pharmacy law and regulations, pharmacology, and inventory management, among others, which adequately prepares them for their job. This benefits the pharmacy technician’s self-esteem as well as that of the employer and clients.

Flexible Shift Options

Certain pharmacies operate 24 hours a day, requiring pharmacy technicians to work overnight shifts. Due to the legitimacy that certification brings to their position, certified pharmacy technicians are more likely to be given the choice of selecting a more convenient shift period.

Demonstrated Clinical Expertise

The certification process requires individuals to become pharmacy technicians to acquire a vast knowledge base and improve their chances of passing the rigorous Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Passing the PTCB exam demonstrates their proficiency in pharmacy operations, medication safety, and patient care and highlights their clinical knowledge, which is critical in ensuring patients receive safe and effective care.

Additionally, obtaining certification can provide pharmacy technicians with more opportunities for career advancement and increased job security.

PTCB Certification for Pharmacy Technicians

To obtain your CPhT designation from the PTCB test, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Holding a high school diploma or a comparable qualification such as a GED or international diploma
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Disclosure of any past criminal or State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions taken against the candidate
• Agreement to abide by all the rules, regulations, and policies of PTCB Certification
• Excel in the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE).

Previous criminal actions or drug-related violations may render a candidate ineligible for taking the PTCB examination.

Certification Through the NHA

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers certification for pharmacy technicians. This certification is a valuable credential that can help individuals advance their careers in the field of pharmacy.

It demonstrates to employers and colleagues that the certified individual has met certain standards of knowledge and skill in pharmacy technology.

The certification process includes an exam that covers various topics such as pharmacology, medication preparation and dispensing, inventory management, and customer service. Obtaining certification through the NHA can increase job opportunities and earning potential for pharmacy technicians.

Holding a high school diploma, or a comparable qualification, such as a GED or international diploma, such as a 

• GED or foreign diploma
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess at least 12 months of practical experience working in a pharmacy-related capacity within the last 36 months OR successfully finish a pharmacy technician training program.

Conclusion

Pharmacy technician certification offers numerous benefits to those seeking a career in pharmacy. In addition to validating their credentials and opening doors to various career advancement opportunities within the industry, certification offers pharmacy technicians a significant advantage, including improved employability and higher salaries as well as enhanced credibility, ongoing education, and demonstrated clinical knowledge.

By obtaining certification, pharmacy technicians can ensure they are providing safe and effective care to patients while advancing their own professional growth and development.

With the demand for certified pharmacy technicians on the rise, it’s clear that certification is a crucial step toward a fulfilling and lucrative career in the pharmacy industry.